What is it?
Wave energy captures the kinetic and potential energy generated by wind moving across the surface of the ocean to produce electricity and perform mechanical work, such as water desalination. Though still an emerging sector in the clean energy industry, wave energy represents a highly predictable, and abundant renewable resource with significant long-term potential for coastal regions.
Generation & Environmental Impact
Wave Energy Converters (WECs) utilize floating or submerged structures, such as point absorbers, oscillating water columns, or attenuators, to convert the rise, fall, and horizontal motion of surface waves into power. Systems can integrate directly with existing coastal infrastructure, including breakwaters, jetties, and piers.
- Clean & Low-Impact: Operates as a zero-emission energy source with minimal physical footprint when mounted to pre-existing marine structures.
- Predictable & Dense: Provides a highly reliable renewable power profile driven by ocean dynamics.
- Emerging Domestic Footprint: Demonstration projects currently at the Port of Los Angeles and testing facilities at the Pacific Marine Energy Center show the viability for commercial scaling.
Fitting Into the Energy Mix
While wave energy is not currently a component of Maryland’s active commercial grid, the state’s extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay makes marine energy an important technology to include in the future.